LG announces laptop display designed for outdoor use

Laptops are notoriously hard to use outdoors. Backlit displays are difficult to read in bright sunlight under the best conditions. And if you have a notebook with a glossy screen, you might as well be carrying around a mirror. But LG has announced a new technology that could be a game-changer.

The company’s new LCD panel is actually illuminated by sunlight when you use it outdoors. This makes the screen easier to read, and seriously cuts the notebook’s power consumption, as LCD screens are one of the most power hungry components in any notebook. When you use the computer indoors, the screen will use old fashioned backlighting.

LG will show off the technology at CES. And while the company is pushing a 14.1 inch LCD right now, I would love to see netbook makers push for a 10 inch model that can be used in portable devices. You know, the kind that you might actually take with you to use in outdoor settings like a public park?

That said, I do have some concerns. For example, does the display looks as good on a cloudy day as it does on a bright, sunny day.

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I expect that would be the tech from PixelQi, the same people (and tech) who did the One Laptop Per Child XO’s display, which does all those things.

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“And if you have a notebook with a glossy screen, you might as well be carrying around a mirror.” True, glossy screens reflect light, but in my own personal experience using laptops outdoors, glossy screens work much better then matte screens. That’s one reason why I picked the Acer Aspire One over the competitors.

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I’m planning to use my future netbook outdoors occasionally, but in the shade, for example, in a car or under a shelter. I wonder if matte or glossy would be better for that. I’ve seen differing opinions before and would welcome any ideas.

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Finally, a notebook that prevents the blinding and irritating glares. I wonder how it fares in durability. Any insights?

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